CFL B.C. Lions

BC Lions Visit Children in Bella Bella With Kids Explore Program

Published on April 11, 2002 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


VANCOUVER, B.C. April 11, 2002 – BC Lions' players Ben Fairbrother, Noah Cantor, Bret Anderson, Dan Payne and Steve Hardin will be leaving on Thursday April 11, 2002 for Bella Bella to visit participants of Kids Explore.

Kids Explore is an organization started in 1992 to give children from Northern BC villages a chance to visit Vancouver and meet positive role models. Over 90 kids from the Bella Bella area have journeyed to the city of Vancouver to meet mentors and community leaders. For the past decade, the BC Lions have supported this program. This year will be the fourth year players have visited the children in the northwest coast villages.

While visiting Bella Bella, the players will have a chance to meet many of the kids involved in Kids Explore, conduct interactive sessions with children's groups, play basketball with youth and go fishing.

"I am really looking forward to this trip," said Noah Cantor. "The kids in this program don't have opportunities that some children have in the city. It is an opportunity for me to share my experiences in life and with football."

The players leave Vancouver on Thursday morning and return on Sunday April 14th.

BC LIONS SIGN RUNNING BACK MYRON FLOWERS

VANCOUVER, B.C. April 11, 2002 -- BC Lions General Manager, Adam Rita, today announced the signing of running back Myron Flowers. In keeping with team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Myron has good speed and catches the ball very well," said Head Coach Steve Buratto. "He has the ability to come into camp and find a spot on our roster."

Flowers, a 5'10" 200-pound running back from Silver Springs, Maryland, signed with the BC Lions as a free agent. Flowers signed with the Montreal Alouettes in 2000, but was released prior to training camp. Flowers is well known for his work ethic, in 1999, the 28-year-old was selected by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as the NSCA All-American Athlete of the year.

Flowers played four years at North Carolina Central University and in his final two years he accumulated 830 rushing and 112 receiving yards in only fourteen games.

BC LIONS SIGN OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

RON OCKIMEY

VANCOUVER, B.C. April 11, 2002 -- BC Lions General Manager, Adam Rita, today announced the signing of Outside Linebacker Ron Ockimey. In keeping with team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Ron is a strong player and a gifted athlete," said Head Coach Steve Buratto. "He's got the athletic ability to play in this league."

Ockimey, 6'1" 203 pounds, is from Philadelphia, PA. The 23-year-old signed with the San Francisco 49ers in April 2001 but was released before training camp. Prior to being eligible for the 2001 NFL Draft, Ockimey played at San Jose University State for two years where he made significant contributions to the Spartans. In 1999, he shared an outside linebacker spot and was credited with 36 tackles, a quarterback sack, a pass break-up and a fumble recovery that resulted in a touchdown. His 26 unassisted tackles were the fifth best on the team.

Prior to playing for San Jose State University, Ron was an honorable mention All-Conference selection at San Bernardino Valley College. He also played one season at Victor Valley College and led his team in tackles. Ockimey graduated from Silver Valley High School in Barstow, California where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He was a tailback and strong safety as a prep football player who lettered one season at Lathrop High School in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ron is a certified lifeguard.

Since 1954, the BC Lions have been Vancouver's premier professional football team appearing in seven Grey Cup Championships winning four of those contests. Community Pride is the BC Lions commitment to excellence on the football field and in the Lower Mainland community. In the 2002 season, the team will play mid-week home games in the summer and Friday home games beginning in the fall at Vancouver's landmark BC Place Stadium located adjacent to the SkyTrain. For 2002 season tickets please call 604-589-ROAR(7627) or log onto www.bclions.com.

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